Shopping for Your Bonbonniere

Shopping for your wedding bonbonniere can be a bit of a minefield. Where to begin? Are there any hard and fast rules for what's appropriate and what's not? And how do you go about actually getting the bonbonniere organised? In answer, we've compiled to help you save when it comes to shopping for you wedding bonbonniere.

(Courtesy modwedding.com)

Bonbonniere Etiquette

When it comes to your wedding favours, there are minimal rules relating to etiquette. The most fundamental of these is that some consider it poor etiquette to forego the bonbonniere entirely, but this is more a matter of traditionalism than anything else. Some consider the edible bonbonniere to be the most desirable- presumably because it is cheapest and requires no transport or cleanup, and provides immediate satisfaction. Others, however, prefer a physical memento to remember your wedding by, or simply to use in the future. The bottom line is that the bonbonniere is one of the wedding elements most susceptible to modern change, and how you interpret this is entirely up to you.

The Traditional Route

Sugared almonds have always reigned supreme as the automatic, no-fuss bonboniere gift. Traditionally, the almonds are presented in either lots of 3 or lots of 5. Three almonds represent the bride, the groom, and their future baby. Five almonds represent happiness, health, wealth, fertility and longevity.

(Courtesy mydarlingheart.wordpress.com)

Shopping Tips

Gifts that are already wrapped up can cost extra. Save yourself these hidden costs and wrap up your gifts yourself. Use ribbon and tulle for a touch of elegance.

Prices will vary from outlet to outlet, so make sure you shop around. Many products available in store are also available online, often for a smaller cost.

If you do happen to see something you like online, but aren't sure that it'll meet your requirements in person, order one of the product to inspect the quality and size.

If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider giving one gift to each couple or family, as opposed to each individual. This could even enable you to select a gift that is a little more expensive, while still making an overall saving.

Just because you're giving the same gift out to everyone does not mean that the bonbonniere has to be impersonal. You can personalise each gift by writing a message, poem, phrase, or drawing a picture for each of your guests.

Choose a gift that is theme appropriate. You could be focusing on the season, location, or even colours of your wedding. But no matter what your focus, try to keep your bonbonnieres as cohesive a part of your wedding as all other elements.

Send a message with your bonbonniere. If your bonbonniere doesnt have an underlying message- such as the popular gift of packaged seedlings, for example- simply include your own note with the gift. This should include a reference to both the bonbonniere itself as well as your gratitude at your guests' attending the wedding. For example, if you're giving out homemade desserts, one idea would be to include a note saying, "Thanks for helping to make our day so delicious".

Provide your guests with favours that will be reusable, if possible. This could include gifts that double up as parts of reception entertainment, or gifts they'll be able to use at a later stage, such as a pair of sunglasses.

(Courtesy borrowedandblue.com)

Bomboniere Checklist

Aim to have all your bomboniere ready at least one week before the wedding. This ensures that should any problems arise, you will have plenty of time to rectify the situation.

Always order a couple of extra bomboniere gifts. You never know who might RSVP at the last minute, or there might be a few spoilt or damaged gifts on the day. Be prepared.

Don't forget to keep a bomboniere gift for yourself! It's always nice to have a physical token of one of your most significant events.

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